June 1, 2012

Lynn L. Bergeson, “OSHA Releases Final HCS Rule,” Chemical Processing, June 2012.

In March, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued its revised final Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), aligning it with the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). Here are some key aspects of the final rule, which will be fully implemented by 2016.
June 1, 2012

Lynn L. Bergeson, “Final HCS Rule Released,” Pollution Engineering, June 2012.

After much deliberation, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced in March that it has revised the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), aligning it with the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). The final HCS rule, which becomes effective in May, will be implemented in various phases with full implementation by 2016.
June 1, 2012

Lynn L. Bergeson, “What is to Come,” Manufacturing Today, Summer 2012.

Much may be headed our way this year from the Hill in connection with reform of the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) and chemical initiatives advanced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP). The 2012 presidential election cycle is likely to influence any activity by either party or the administration over the next year.
June 1, 2012

Lynn L. Bergeson and Michael F. Cole, “Fullerenes Used in Skin Creams,” Nanotechnology Law & Business, Volume 9, Issue 2, June 2012.

Since the discovery of fullerenes in 1985, the scientific and business communities have been exploring possible commercial applications for these intriguing materials. This article will explore one such application, the use of fullerenes in skin creams. We will discuss the perceived advantages of such use, the concerns expressed regarding risks to health and the environment from fullerenes in skin cream, and the research reported to date on cosmetic usage. The article will conclude with a...
May 22, 2012

California Issues Revised Informal Draft Safer Consumer Products Regulations

At the request of California Governor Jerry Brown (D), the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) withdrew its October 31, 2011, informal draft Safer Consumer Products regulations, as well as a revised formal draft scheduled for release in April. Brown reportedly had concerns regarding the scope of the regulations, the treatment of confidential business information, and duplication of existing federal and state regulations. Brown asked DTSC to issue new informal draft...
May 16, 2012

Federal Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health Considers PEL Recommendations

The Federal Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health (FACOSH) met on May 3, 2012, during which it discussed revised recommendations on permissible exposure limits (PEL) from FACOSH's Emerging Issues Subcommittee. FACOSH is authorized by the Occupational Safety and Health Act and Executive Order (EO) 11,612, as amended, "to advise the Secretary [of Labor] on all matters relating to the occupational safety and health of federal employees," including providing advice on how to reduce the...